Fabric pressing pad



Sept. 19, 1967 T 3,341,953

FABRIC PRESSING PAD Filed April 25, 1966 IN Vf/V r02 7201 12012; Boot 3,341,953 FABRIC PRESSENG PAD Nathan Root, 1524 Woodlawn SE, East Grand Rapids, Mich. 49507 Filed Apr. 25, 1966, Ser. No. 545,820 6 Claims. (Cl. 38-66) This invention relates to improvements in pressing pads as used in fabric pressing machines, sometimes referred to as steam diffusers. In particular it has relation to an assembly for attachment to the upper buck of a steamheated fabric pressing machine for subdividing the plurality of jets of steam fed through the upper buck to avoid the undesirable effects of impingement of high velocity steam directly onto the fabric. Although the invention will be described with reference to a conventional garment pressing machine it will become evident that the same is equally applicable to machines employed to press fabrics in the piece and other fabric articles, e.g., draperies.

In all such machines the article to be pressed is deposited on .a lower buck and an upper buck is swung downwardly to compress the article between the two. While the article is thus held the operator admits steam to the hollow interior of the upper buck. The steam issues through a plurality of orifices in the lower wall of the up er buck which are of comparatively large size compared with the mesh or weave of the fabric being operated on. Immediately following the steaming treatment vacuum is applied to the hollow interior of the lower buck through a plurality of ports in the upper face thereof in order to remove moisture.

In the absence of diffusing means overlying the lower face of the upper buck the high velocity jets of superheated steam produce several undesirable effects, among the more significant of which are: a polka dot pattern of so-called press-plate moire, puckering, waviness, water spotting, streaking and shine. All of these are well-recognized in the trade for the cure of which various steamdiifusing devices have been advanced. The primary function of such devices has been to break up the jets of steam by interposing a screen or perforate plate in the path thereof. However, the use of a rigid, perforate plate for this purpose, while substantially effective in diffusing the steam and lowering its temperature to effect some degree of condensation, introduces disadvantages, some of which are: denting of the plate by buttons on the garments being pressed, fusing of threads and other particles thereon and cracking due to fatigue failure.

The result of repeated denting is to produce a coarsely pebbled surface on the plate which, in turn, causes irregular application of pressure and poor finish. The fusing of threads and other particles to the surface of the perforated plate not only eventually clogs the perforations but adversely marks the fabric. In one commercially-available type of diffusing unit there is metal-to-metal contact between the unit and buck whereby the surface in contact with the fabric assumes a temperature which is nearly as high as that of the buck. Accordingly, the fabric is easily damaged by glazing and scorching, and consequent embrittlement. Ordinarily the buck temperature ranges between 312 and 320 P. which is far above the pressing temperature allowable for present day synthetic fibers.

The present invention has for its principal object the provision of a steam diffusing assembly for attachment to the upper buck of a fabric pressing machine characterized by improved steam diffusing action.

Another object is to provide an assembly as aforesaid incorporating a resilient pad comprising a layer or layers of fabric, such as flannel, felt, asbestos or sponge rubber or combinations thereof which perform the dual function of cushioning the buck with respect to the article being operated on while supplementing the steam-diffusing action.

A further object is to provide an assembly in accordance with the foregoing having a peripheral frame leading to more facile adaptation of the pad to the buck and reliable securement of the layers included in the pad.

Another object is to provide an assembly as aforesaid which is characterized by substantial rigidity in its principal plane whereby the pad may be more readily conformed to the customary concave working surface of the upper buck of a garment pressing machine.

An additional object lies in providing an assembly as aforesaid in which that face thereof which contacts the fabric is smooth and slick thereby virtually eliminating adherence of threads, slubs and the like as Well as the several undesirable effects on the fabric set forth above.

Another object lies in providing a pressing pad which incorporates in a unitary, commercial article, a relatively rigid layer serving the triple function of a steam diffuser, a backbone for the assembly and a frame for reliably locating the assembly with respect to the buck.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description which, taken with the accompanying drawings, discloses various modes of carrying the invention into practice.

In this drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a steam diffusing assembly in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation thereof;

FIG. 3 is a cross section taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged showing of a portion of FIG. 3 to show details;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a forate layer; and

FIG. 6 is a cross section taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

Broadly regarded the invention comprises a steam diffusing assembly, herein for conciseness sometimes termed a pressing pad incorporating a supporting frame functioning in part as means to facilitate the mounting of the same on the upper buck of a machine for the steam pressing of fabrics and fabric articles. By way of example, the invention will be described as related to a machine of a common type which comprises a fixed lower buck, suitably padded, upon which the garment or other fabric article is positioned, whereupon a movable upper buck is brought down to subject the article to pressure. Steam is then caused to issue from the hollow interior of the upper buck through a plurality of orifices in the lower wall thereof. Vacuum applied to the hollow interior of the lower buck draws off the vapor and assists in drying the article. The invention assembly is adapted to cover the entire lower face of the upper buck and is attached thereto by any acceptable means. Commonly these devices are attached by tension springs, hooked at their ends to the frame of the device and passed over the buck. However the attaching means form no part of the invention per se. The invention comprises an assembly of an inner, comparatively rigid sheet-like element of some metal having good heat conductivity characterized by closely-spaced perforations over its working area to provide initial diffusion of steam issuing from the orifices in the upper buck, an outer layer of fabric, woven or other, of material having optimum life when subjected to the working temperature and moisture, and between said layers a resilient, porous pad to absorb the bulk of the article being pressed and to enable the assembly to conform substantially to the curvature of the buck, this intermediate layer also comprising material having good resistance to portion of the rigid perthe working temperature and moisture. In the case where the working surface of the upper buck is concave the inner perforate element is desirably provided with a curvature conforming reasonably closely to the working surface and has its periphery formed into an inverted U-shape, the legs defining a space within which the outer and intermediate layers are received and there clamped by converging the legs. Thus these layers are bound reliably into working relation and the periphery is caused to serve as part of the means for supporting the assembly on the upper buck and to rigidify the assembly. It will be understood that the outermost layer of the assembly, viz., the fabric-contacting surface thereof, is at least coextensive with the working area of the lower buck and that the marginal frame is disposed outside of this area. Thus a three-stage diffusion of the jets of steam issuing from the buck is accomplished, namely, by the inner perforate plate, the intermediate porous pad and the outer cloth layer, in that order. The diffusing action may be modified by the interposing additional foraminous or porous elements. By utilizing an outer layer of fabric and an intermediate resilient layer enhanced cushioning action is imparted to the assembly as a whole, rendering it more readily comformable to the various parts of the garment, e.g., buttons, clasps, lapels, cuffs, etc.

Adverting to the drawings, 1 have shown, by way of example, a pressing pad assembly comprising an inner element 10 of reasonably rigid sheet material, e.g. aluminum, having its principal plane at least coextensive with the working area of the lower face 11 of the upper buck 12 of a steam pressing machine (not shown). Although the assembly is shown as of straight-sided, generally oval outline it will be understood that any other shape may be employed depending upon the configuration f the buck. The thickness of the aluminum sheet may be on the order of 28 gauge so that the same conform reasonably well with the concave outer face 11 of the buck and yet be essentially shape-retaining or, if desired, such conformation may be imparted initially. The element 10 may he perforated in any of several ways, e.g. by clean holes or by partial punching so as to produce 'bafiie wings 16 (FIGS. and 6). This latter expedient serves to deflect the steam issuing as jets through the orifices 18 in the lower wall 19 of the buck 12, thereby decreasing the velocity of the steam and effecting better distribution thereof. Although, for urposes of clarity, the element is shown as juxtaposed to the buck surface 11, it may, as a practical matter, due to its relatively I thin gauge, and the force of the means attaching the assembly to the buck, be slightly displaced therefrom, but this is immaterial.

In order to rigidify the pad assembly, to provide means for attaching the same and to secure the fabric layers, the periphery 20 of the element 1% is formed into an inverted U-shaped cross section (FIG. 4). The respective margins of the fabric layers are received therein and clamped by converging the legs 21 and 22 in a suitable die. Moreover, at this juncture it is to be noted that, upon squeezing of the legs 21 and 22 together, the relatively more yieldable fabric layers tend to become enmeshed in the perforations and/ or wings in to be reliably anchored thereby. Further, the wings may be oriented in different directions to improve the distribution of steam and the gripping action.

Any recognized means may be employed to secure the assembly to the buck 12. By way of example there is shown a plurality of ears 31 fastened to the leg 22 of the frame, each ear having a hole engaging respective ones of the ends of springs 32 passed over the buck 16* (FIGS. 2 and 3).

The outer layer 35 is preferably woven, heat-treated nylon cloth having a so-called slick finish.

Experience has demonstrated that this material provides a completely acceptable finish to the articles being pressed, and has a long life under the temperature and moisture to which the same is subjected. The intermediate layer 41 preferably comprises a nylon felt to provide insulation and cushioning action. As has been indicated above the respective margins of the layers 35 and 41 are inserted within the frame 20 and there retained in the manner set forth.

If desired, other porous layers may be introduced between the layers 10 and 41 or between the layers 35 and 41. The intermediate layer or layers may be clampingly held in the frame or only the outermost layer so held.

While I have shown a particular embodiment of my invention, it will be understood, of course, that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications may be made and I, therefore, contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

I claim:

1. A steam diffusing assembly for securement adjacent the working surface of the hollow upper buck of a steamheated fabric pressing machine, the lower wall of the buck having a plurality of orifices providing exit for steam from the interior of the buck comprising: an inner, relatively shape-retaining layer at least coextensive with said surface, adapted to be positioned adjacent said surface, and perforated over the area thereof coextensive with said surface, an outer, porous fabric layer, at least one other layer intermediate said two layers, said intermediate layer being of resilient material, said perforate layer being marginally bent upwardly upon itself and then outwardly and downwardly to provide a peripheral frame which in transverse cross section, is an inverted U, the margin of at least said outer layer being clampingly received between the legs of the U.

2. A steam diffusing assembly for securement adjacent the working surface of the hollow upper buck of a steamheated fabric pressing machine, the lower wall of the buck having a plurality of orifices providing exit for steam from the interior of the buck-comprising: an inner, relatively shape-retaining layer at least coextensive with said surface, adapted to be positioned adjacent said surface, and perforated over the area thereof coextensive with said surface, an outer, porous fabric layer, at least one other layer intermediate said two layers, said intermediate layer being of resilient material, said perforate layer being marginally bent upwardly upon itself and then outwardly and downwardly to provide a peripheral frame constituted in transverse cross section as an inverted U, the margin of the outer and intermediate layers being clampingly received between the legs of the U.

3. A steam-diffusing assembly for securement adjacent the working surface of the hollow upper buck of a steamheated fabric pressing machine, the lower wall of the buck having a plurality of orifices providing exit for steam from the interior of the buck comprising: an inner, relatively shape-retaining layer at least coextensive with said surface, adapted to be positioned adjacent said surface, and perforated over the area thereof coextensive with said surface, an outer, porous layer, at least one other layer intermediate said two layers, said perforate layer having a peripheral frame constituted in transverse cross section as an inverted U, the legs of the U being provided with struck-out projections, the margins of at least said outer layer being received between the legs of the U and clampingly retained therein, the projections engaging said margin.

4. The combination in accordance with claim 3 wherein said frame is constituted as a unitary extension of the material of the perforate layer.

5. A steam-diffusing assembly for securement adjacent the working surface of the hollow upper buck of a steamheated fabric pressing machine, the lower wall of the buck having a plurality of orifices providing exit for steam from the interior of the buck comprising: an inner, sheet metal layer at least coextensive with said surface, adapted to be positioned adjacent said surface, and provided with a plurality of struck-out projections and a plurality of perforations over the area thereof coextensive with said surface, at least one porous layer providing a pressing surface, said sheet metal layer being deformed around its periphery to provide a frame which, in transverse cross section, is in the shape of an inverted U, the inner leg of the U forming a continuation of the sheet metal layer and the other leg thereof being outermost said porous layer having an upturned margin received between the legs of the U and clampingly held therein.

6. In combination, a steam-diffusing assembly and a hollow upper buck of a fabric-pressing machine having a Working surface, the lower wall of the buck having a plurality of orifices for exit of steam, the assembly having a plurality of layers of inherently flaccid material, a layer intermediate said working surface and said plurality of layers, said intermediate layer having an area at least coextensive with said surface and perforated over said area, said intermediate layer comprising relatively shape retaining material and having a frame peripherally thereof, said frame having a transverse cross-section of inverted U-shape, the margin of at least the outermost one of said plurality of layers being clampingly received between the legs of the U.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,877,577 3/1959 Jacobson 3897 X 2,880,529 4/1959 Freeman 3866 2,910,791 11/1959 Behrstock 3866 3,181,259 5/1965 Fetrasch 38-66 FOREIGN PATENTS 754,970 8/1956 Great Britain.

PATRICK D. LAWSON, Primary Examiner. 

1. A STREAM DIFFUSING ASSEMBLY FOR SECUREMENT ADJACENT THE WORKING SURFACE OF THE HOLLOW UPPER BUCK OF A STREAMHEATED FABRIC PRESSING MACHINE, THE LOWER WALL OF THE BUCK HAVING A PLURALITY OF ORIFICES PROVIDING EXIT FOR STREAM FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE BUCK COMPRISING: AN INNER, RELATIVELY SHAPE-RETAINING LAYER AT LEAST COEXTENSIVE WITH SAID SURFACE, ADAPTED TO BE POSITIONED ADJACENT SAID SURFACE, AND PERFORATED OVER THE AREA THEREOF COEXTENSIVE WITH SAID SURFACE, AN OUTER, POROUS FABRIC LAYER, AT LEAST ONE OTHER LAYER INTERMEDIATE SAID TWO LAYERS, SAID INTER- 